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Our story begins  with post World War II Romania and the plight of some of the most brilliant minds that ever stemmed from those fertile lands. With the arrival of communism, thinking politicians, philosophers, writers and various other professionals 'too clever' for their own good saw Thinking become taboo. Those who would critise the regime, express ideas or create art not compatible with a rigid doctrine both during the communist years and even a little after the 89' revolution were persecuted, imprisoned and even put to death. It is firstly in their memory we now strive to put Thinking back on the pedestal it deserves. The Romanian story of silenced and persecuted academics and intellectuals is unfortunately not unique and the need for critical thought and science based reasoning is desperately needed in politics. Translated into English from Latin our mantra is ''But first, we think''. How else can we hope to preserve rights, ensure transparent discourse and serve communities with the right level  of insight into complicated governance decisions?

We strive to make critical thinking a prerequisite of politics and politicking in general. Around the world we face variations of the same problem statement: we do or we react based on current happenings. This is not sustainable if we hope to accomplish life improving goals especially in the mid or long terms. When strategy and manifestos are less to do with actual values and visions and more to do with winning seats, the art of governance becomes transactional, empty, frustrating. Anyone that has been involved in grass roots campaigning inside a major party particularly from a young age will tell you it's all about the 'work': gathering signatures, knocking doors, spreading leaflets . How many will be able to say they found a forum where they can think deeply, debate, question what and why we're doing the 'work'?

Sed Primum Cogitamus aims to be the center ground, the Agora of democratic, respectful, purposeful discussion and debate. This is a space to listen, to read, to learn, to write and ultimately to grow. We so desperately need nurseries for minds outside traditional institutions so we're opening our door to people across the political spectrum to subject ideas to the lens of scientific reason.